The first report of seroprevalence of Q fever in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Phatthalung, Thailand

Abstract

Background and Aim: Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the intracellular bacterium, Coxiella burnetii. A few studies focused on the occurrence of Q fever infection in water buffaloes in Thailand have been conducted; however, little is known regarding the seroprevalence of C. burnetii antibodies in buffaloes. In the present study, we describe the prevalence of Q fever infection in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Phatthalung, Thailand. Materials and Methods: A total of 421 samples (156 blood, 156 sera, and 109 ectoparasites [lice]) were collected from 156 water buffaloes from 29 farms of the Phatthalung Province from January 22, 2021, to March 26, 2021. The blood and ectoparasite samples were screened for C. burnetii DNA using a polymerase chain reaction assay and the sera were tested for C. burnetii antibody using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Results: C. burnetii DNA was not detected in blood or ectoparasites; however, the seroprevalence of individual water buffaloes was 4.49% (95% CI: 2.19-8.99%), whereas that of the herd was 13.79%. There was a significant difference between abortion history and Q fever infection at 29 farms (p=0.005; OR=33.55 [95%CI: 156-722.38]). Conclusion: This is the first report describing the low seroprevalence of C. burnetii antibodies in water buffaloes in Phatthalung Province, Thailand. The occurrence of this pathogen in buffaloes with reproductive disorders and people working with buffaloes warrant further investigation. Animal health authorities should inform farmers to effectively prevent and control this zoonosis.

Serological Evidence of Q Fever among Dairy Cattle and Buffalo Populations in the Campania Region, Italy

“…In our study, the water buffalo population had lower seroprevalences in comparison to the cattle population. Prior studies in other countries (India, Egypt, Thailand) where buffalo breeding is widespread, confirmed this information, which was also supported by molecular tools [28][29][30]. This differs with the findings of an Indian study, which found a seroprevalence of 28% in buffalo and 13.6% in cattle with no apparent reason to explain this result, excluding the different epidemiological situations, number of samples, and types of test used [29].…”

“…In the buffalo population, the epidemiological background is slightly different. To the best of our knowledge, no European countries have data on this species, and only a few countries, including India, Egypt, and Thailand, have conducted large-scale buffalo serosurveys, with seroprevalence rates ranging from 5 to 20% [28][29][30][31][32]. In our study, the water buffalo population had lower seroprevalences in comparison to the cattle population.…”

Coxiella burnetii in ticks, livestock, pets and wildlife: A mini-review

“…Coxiella burnetii infection has been reported in other domestic mammals-though less frequently than livestock -, including horses, rabbits, pigs, camels, water buffalo, rats, and mice (11,30,35,(58)(59)(60)(61)(62)(63)(64)(65)(66)(67)(68)(69)(70)(71)(72). So far, serological evidence of C. burnetii infection in many horses have been reported (66, 73-75).…”

“…Domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is a globally important livestock species due to its high-quality milk, meat and leather. Many studies revealed that buffalo may have a significant impact on the epidemiology of Q fever and emphasizes the necessity for C. burnetii surveillance and control measures in buffalo (60, [65][66][67].…”